Kelly's Septic Scare

Last week, Kelly Bates drove to South Carolina to visit Papa Bill and Mama Jane, as she does frequently due to Papa Bill's deteriorating health. While she was there, the back pain that she had been experiencing suddenly became a lot worse. She was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a kidney stone and a kidney infection, which turned septic and landed her in the ICU. Gil quickly drove in from Tennessee and refused to leave his wife's side. The Bates kids and grandchildren began arriving, as Kelly's condition worsened and it was unclear whether she would recover. After a lot of prayer, quality care from the hospital staff, and plenty of encouragement from her beloved family, Kelly started to turn a corner. She had her second surgery two days ago and was released from the hospital yesterday. Join us in praising God for her miraculous recovery. Trace and Lydia Bates made a video detailing the situation.

The Clarks Buy Their Dream Home

Katie and Travis Clark moved from New Jersey to the Knoxville area last March, and they have been living in an apartment since they arrived. With help from their real estate agent, Zach Bates, they have officially purchased what they call their dream home. You can see some quick glimpses of the house in their latest YouTube video.

Paines Make Their Move

Erin and Chad Paine announced in September that they would be moving out of their rental home in Florida, but it took them quite a while to decide where they would be going. In honor of New Year's they have just shared the details of their next step. They thought they might be moving back to Tennessee, but God closed that door, so they are staying in Florida--at least for the time being. The Paines' new rental home is in a subdivision, which will be a big adjustment for all of them. You'll see footage from their move and some shots of the house in their latest YouTube video.

A New Ride for Mama B

Christmas came early for Kelly Bates, in the form of a very large gift. About five years ago, Katie totaled Kelly's car, and she decided to buy her mom an even nicer replacement and give it to her as an early Christmas present. Katie and Travis Clark found what they considered to be the perfect ride for Mama B, but it wasn't local. Travis had to hop on a plane to go pick it up and then drive it through the night back to East Tennessee. If you would like to see Gil and Kelly's reactions to the gift, check out the Clarks' most recent YouTube video.

Trace and Lydia Share Pregnancy News

As the year comes to a close, Trace and Lydia Bates have a big announcement to share. They are expecting another little one in 2025! The child will join brother Ryker Bates, who turned one in September. Lydia suffered a miscarriage back in February, so this is her rainbow baby.

Q&A with the Keilens

Michaela and Brandon Keilen recently filmed themselves answering a number of questions submitted by fans. They cover a variety of topics, including extended family, everyday life, and spiritual advice. The Keilens also share their thoughts on adoption (at 13:30). They can't provide details at the moment, but they do say that they are praying about it and pursuing it. 

Paines on Memories and Marriage

Erin and Chad Paine are still in their rental house but are planning to move before Christmas. They haven't shared where they are moving, but stay tuned for that announcement. In the meantime, they just filmed a video featuring eight questions, mostly focused around family Christmas memories and marriage. 

The Paines: Last Q&A of 2024

Baby Will 3 Months Old

How are new parents Lawson and Tiffany Bates doing? Baby Will Bates is three months old and has already had a very busy life. In their most recent YouTube video, the proud parents take him to both Myrtle Beach and Papa Bill and Mama Jane's farm (link below)).

Lawson and Tiffany Bates: Family Incident Leaves Us Speechless

Welcome, Graham Bates!

Last week was a busy one for the Bates family! It started off with the arrival of Harvey Gray Clark on September 29th. Harvey had oxygen issues soon after birth and had to spend some time in the NICU, but he is now home and doing well. The links to his birth story are below.

Harvey is Gil and Kelly Bates' 31st grandchild. Just five days after he was born, the parents of 19 welcomed their 32nd grandchild. Graham Alan Bates is the second child of Nathan and Esther Bates. He arrived on October 4th and weighed 6 lbs 15 oz. 

To add to the excitement, a number of Bates, who are close friends of the Duggars, attended the wedding of Jason and Maddie Duggar on October 3rd. The wedding took place in East Tennessee.

Katie and Travis Clark: Harvey's Birth Story Part 1

Katie and Travis Clark: Harvey's Birth Story Part 2

Harvey's Arrival

Update: Harvey is now home and doing well. 

Harvey Gray Clark is here! He arrived later in the evening on September 29th, 2024, weighing 6 lbs 4 oz and measuring 19 inches long. His oxygen levels were dropping at birth, so he is receiving treatment at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. Katie and Travis Clark say that Harvey is improving. Harvey weighed just 3 oz more than older sister Hailey, who was born in February 2023.